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Occupation Info

Social Worker

Overview:

Social workers develop and organize programs to enhance the social development of individuals or groups. Design community action programs to reduce juvenile delinquency. Counsel patients and their families with personal adjustment.

Duties:

They help members of a group through group experiences to develop attitudes and social skills for improved family relations and community responsibility. Refer clients to community agencies.

They design action programs to change environmental and social conditions leading to juvenile delinquency. Provide personal counseling and career guidance to juveniles.

Confer with local police departments, schools and employers to map out plans for helping juveniles to avoid crime and develop skills needed for personal growth and employment.

They counsel students having difficulty adapting to school life. Confer with parents & teachers to determine causes of emotional or behavioral problems. May suggest medical or psychiatric help.

Employment of social workers is expected to grow faster than average through 2018. The growing elderly population and the aging baby boom generation will create greater demand for health and social services, resulting in rapid job growth among gerontological social workers. Employment of social workers in private social service agencies also will increase.

Salary Range (National Average):

$25,000 to $32,000

Growth:

Education Level:

Typically, a Bachelor’s Degree from a 4-year college (some are 5 years) is required to be considered for this occupation.

Additional Training/Education:

The minimum requirement for a social worker is a bachelor's degree in social work (BSW) complemented by courses in psychology, sociology, health and social welfare. A master's degree (MSW) is generally required for positions in health and mental settings as well as supervisory positions.

Recommended Skills:

Weighing out the options in a situation or a problem and logically choosing the best course of action.

Actively looking for ways to help people.

Paying attention to what other people are saying, and taking time to understand the points being made.

The ability to understand complex written paragraphs, instructions, or reports.

Using logic to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Being aware of the reactions of others, and understanding why they react the way they do.

Talking, giving speeches, or speaking in a group to convey information, explain ideas, or give instructions.

Composing and communicating your ideas in written form.

Recommended Values:

Doing something to contribute to the betterment of the world. Doing something for the greater good.

Being involved in helping other people in a direct way either individually or in a small group.

* National data collected by the Department of Labor between 2008-2012.
* For New York salary data information please click here.
* For New York green job information please click here.

Understanding acquiring positions in this field may be enhanced through continuing academic study (i.e. earning a baccalaureate or a master's degree) and/or work experience in the field, Queensborough Community College has established transfer agreements with other institutions for students who wish to further pursue their educational goals. Students are highly encouraged to meet with one of our Career Services to fully understand the opportunities available through study in their degree program.